Explore the mystical and captivating land of Tibet

Discover the breathtaking beauty and impressive culture of Tibet with Mytour, through the eyes of Romanian travel blogger - Cezar, to deepen your love for this desired destination that every traveler has dreamt of visiting.

Tibet is a legendary realm where for centuries the belief in reincarnation has prevailed over economic or military power. Despite being heavily ravaged over half a century ago, its cultural roots remain resilient, showing signs of revival amidst the ruins.

The hidden land harbors many mysteries

Inhabiting a harsh plateau over 4000 meters high, the people of Tibet have crafted a unique society deeply intertwined with religion. Before 1951, Tibet remained an enigmatic realm shielded from the rest of the world by the Himalayas. Many tourists to Tibet are pleasantly surprised by the experience.

Today, Tibet has undergone significant changes, including the construction of a railway line connecting Lhasa to China, and the emergence of more modern city districts. However, amidst these changes, Tibetan culture continues to thrive and develop in certain areas such as rural regions, the lively Barkhor quarter in Lhasa, or Tibetan monasteries.

Lhasa – the sacred land and the 'heart' of Tibet

Lhasa sits at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, posing the initial challenge upon arrival. According to a Tibetan travel guide, we were advised to spend a few days acclimating to the thin air, accompanied by portable oxygen tanks. The low atmospheric pressure here makes individuals susceptible to colds, headaches, and fatigue after just a few steps. Fortunately, I didn't experience those sensations when I arrived in Tibet. This is an aspect that Tibetan tourists are carefully guided through to minimize potential issues.

An intriguing aspect of visiting Tibet without prior knowledge of Buddhism is akin to touring Vatican City without understanding Christianity. Hence, before my trip to Tibet, I made an effort to read up on Buddhism.

As one of the world's major religions, Buddhism was founded in northeastern India and southern Nepal in the 5th century BCE. Central to Buddhism is the concept of reincarnation – akin to life being a cycle of birth and death. Depending on one's karma, individuals will be reborn into various realms, which may be unfavorable or favorable, with differing levels of existence. Buddhism is the most sacred theme in this country; I truly sensed that, and only with such understanding can one grasp what is transpiring here. Moreover, many Tibetan tourists gain valuable insights from this sacred religion during their visits.

I noticed that the monasteries here present a stark contrast to the surrounding landscape. Each monastery is a complex consisting of buildings, villages connected by winding roads, with houses designated for monks, large assembly halls, and colossal statues depicting various manifestations of the Buddha. Everywhere, the scent of incense fills the air, accompanied by the murmurs of chants. And perhaps, there are valuable treasures of various Lama figures being preserved somewhere.

For many Tibetan tourists, the primary destination in the world of Tibetan Buddhism is Lhasa. This place is the most sacred land in Tibet, also the oldest site built by King Songtsen Gampo.

I witnessed a sacred scene of Buddhist pilgrims from various countries. Every day, thousands of pilgrims and tourists gather around the temple, with pilgrims walking and performing rituals slowly, whispering mysterious prayers. Meanwhile, foreign tourists are cautious with their cameras, as some areas prohibit photography. I felt like I was lost in a medieval land, where there were strange rituals, and I had no idea what would happen next.

The intriguing tradition of debates among monks

An interesting tradition that everyone knows about is the Buddhist debates among monks. Near Lhasa, there are two other significant monasteries, Sera and Drepung. In decades past, Sera Monastery had over 5,000 monks studying there, but today the number of monks has been restricted by new government regulations.

I visited Sera Monastery in the afternoon, just as the monks were engaged in debates. They often debate philosophical issues of Buddhism and try to persuade each other, rather than deny each other. It was a truly fascinating sight, with all the gestures and body language worth learning from. Their arguments are usually accompanied by supporters clapping. Sometimes the debates last for hours.

Tibet is a land that has become an irresistible 'brand' in itself, not only for followers of Buddhism but also as a worthy destination for you to experience. Tibetan tourists have been increasing rapidly in recent years, with one of the attractions being its top historical and Buddhist sites in the world.

According to Imperatortravel

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour